TERROR IN LITTLETON: THE CULTURE

TERROR IN LITTLETON: THE CULTURE; Rock Concerts Are Cancelled

By JAMES STERNGOLD

Published: April 29, 1999

LOS ANGELES, April 28—
Marilyn Manson, the dark, cross-dressing rock musician, said he was canceling the last five dates on a two-month concert tour because of last week's shooting in Littleton, Colo.

Mr. Manson, who is criticized for his music's nihilistic strains, described the cancellations as a show of respect for those killed, but he also lashed out at news organizations for suggesting that his provocative music, or his fans, incite violence.

Some people have linked Mr. Manson's music to the Goth rock culture that was said to have been favored by Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold, who killed 13 people and then themselves in Littleton. In a statement announcing the cancellations, Mr. Manson, whose real name is Brian Warner, said, ''It's not a great atmosphere to be out playing rock 'n' roll shows, for us or the fans.''

But, he added: ''The media has unfairly scapegoated the music industry and so-called Goth kids and has speculated, with no basis in truth, that artists like myself are in some way to blame. This tragedy was a product of ignorance, hatred and an access to guns. I hope the media's irresponsible finger-pointing doesn't create more discrimination against kids who look different.''